"A citizen of Pittsburgh, and a lover of the useful and rational amusement of the Theatre, begs leave to observe to his fellow citizens, that on Monday evening next Mr. Alexander will stand forward for public recompense, for his exertions in his profession.... It must be readily acknowledged that no young gentleman of more transcendent talent ever graced the dramatic floor of Pittsburgh; it is, therefore, but just that he who has so often made _us_ smile, should from _us_ receive a something to make _him_ smile in turn." _Commonwealth, Nov. 4, 1815._ "The Theatre in this city is now opened by the Thespian Society, for the double purpose of gratifying the public taste by a moral and rational amusement and adding to the funds of the Male Charitable Sunday School. The _Man of Fortitude_ and the Farce of the _Review_ have been selected for representation this evening. Since society has been released from the chains of superstition, the propriety of Theatrick amusements has not been doubted by any man of liberal feelings and enlightened understanding.... The stage conveys a moral in colours more vivid than the awful and elevated station of the preacher permits him to use--it is his coadjutor in good, and goes with him hand in hand exposing vice to ridicule and honouring virtue." _Gazette, Jan. 14, 1817._ The Morals Efficiency Society of 1816 "The Moral Society of Pittsburgh announce to the public their formation. The object of their association is the suppression of vice and immorality, as far as their influence shall extend, and they shall be authorized by the laws of the commonwealth, and the ordinances of this city.... We hereby give this public information of our intention to aid the civil officers in the execution of the laws of this commonwealth, and the ordinances of the city, against all vice and crime cognizable by said laws and ordinances. Such as profane swearing, gambling, horse racing, irregular tippling houses and drunkenness, profanation of the Lord's day by unnecessary work of any kind, such as driving of waggons, carts, carriages of pleasure and amusement, or other conveyances not included under the exception of the laws of the commonwealth in case of necessity and mercy." _Commonwealth, Nov. 26, 1816._ Fourth of July, 1816